fun

Bike and Brunch, This Weekend!

Due to stormy skies in the forecast, the Women’s Bike Month group ride has been moved to Sunday, October 27th. Don’t worry! We’re still ending Women’s Bike Month 2018 with a bang with a weekend-long celebration for women. The festivities kick off Saturday, October 27th with a networking brunch, and conclude with a group ride along the Neponset River Greenway in Mattapan. You don’t want to miss out!

Part 1: Networking Brunch

Where: Lucy’s American Tavern| 13 Granite Ave, Dorchester

When: Saturday, October 27th | 11:00 a.m – 2:00

The weekend kicks off with our Women’s Networking Brunch. Food will be served buffet style, and we’ll have lots of giveaways including a specialty branded Bluebikes helmet, Bluebikes membership discounts, and fun plant favors (courtesy of the Urban Farming Institute). You don’t want to miss out on the fun! Just fill out this form to let us know if you’re coming.

Part 2: Women’s Ride

Where: Mattapan T Stop Station

When: Sunday, October 28th | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m

The group ride will start and end at the Mattapan T Stop Station, and travel along the beautiful Neponset River Greenway – which includes a protected bike lane that is perfect for a leisurely ride.

All riders are welcome, you just need to know how to ride a bike. Bluebikes will be provided for riders who RSVP.<

On Sunday, October 1, 2017, the Middlesex Canal Association, the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission and the Middlesex Canal Commission will sponsor the 15th annual historic bicycle tour of the Middlesex Canal. Because the MBTA is not running trains on the Lowell Line this Sunday (because of track work), the ride will only go as far as Wilmington, and then we will bike back to Boston rather than taking the train. We apologize for the late notice, but we were trying (unsuccessfully) to work out arrangements with the MBTA to get bikes back from Lowell by bus.

The Canal was the “big dig” of the end of the 18th century. Completed in 1803 after 10 years of construction, the Canal connected the Merrimac River in what is now Lowell with the Charles River at Sullivan Square in Charlestown. In many ways it served as a model for later canals including the Erie Canal. The Canal remained in operation for 50 years, providing both passenger and freight service, but could not compete successfully with the Boston and Lowell Railroad which began operation in the 1830’s.

The ride will start at the Canal marker on the front of the Sullivan Square MBTA station just to the right of the main entrance at 9:00. From there we will ride about 15 miles to Wilmington. We will make a lunch stop in Woburn, so we recommend that you bring a lunch.

Most of the route is pretty flat and level and we will average 6-7 miles per hour, so the ride should be an easy one for most cyclists. Along the way we will stop at a number of remnants and restored sections of the Canal, as well as the Mansion of Loammi Baldwin, the chief engineer of the Canal (who discovered the Baldwin apple while building the Canal), one of the remaining aqueducts (which carried the Canal over rivers and brooks), and will get to walk along the bed of the canal and see traces of the ropes that connected the hoses to the canal boats.

The ride will be led by Dick Bauer of the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission and the Middlesex Canal Commission, Bill Kuttner of the the Middlesex Canal Commission, and Robert Winters of the Middlesex Canal Association. Helmets required. Steady rain cancels. For more information, contact Dick at dick.bauer@alum.mit.edu (857-540-6293), Bill at bkuttner@ctps.org(617-241-9383), or Robert at >

For more information about the Middlesex Canal and the Middlesex Canal Association go to:http://www.middlesexcanal.org

For more information about the Middlesex Canal Commission go to:http://www.middlesexcanal.org/commission/

If you’ve ever fancied putting an e-mountain bike through its paces in a racing context, now you can. The popular Mini Enduro series in the UK is offering an e-bike race category for 2017, including a special stage specifically designed for eMTBs.

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It’s perhaps not a surprise to find that the Mini Enduro series welcomes an e-mountain bike category, since one of its new title sponsors is Haibike, the German e-bike brand. Haibike, whose e-bike range covers everything from downhill mountain bike rigs to electric road bikes, feels the Mini Enduro Series’ ethos of inclusivity and accessibility fits well with the Haibike brand.

In a comment to Dirt Magazine, UK Haibike representative Richard Downey said that the company was “super happy to be supporting the Mini Enduro and Welsh Gravity Enduro for 2017. Having been huge fans of the races these guys have put on for many years, it’s great to be involved with a bunch of people that reflect the true spirit of riding bikes in the woods with your mates. Chris and Charlie’s events are all about one thing: FUN.”

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Downey also commented to BikeRadar that both the Mini Enduro series and its sibling, the Mini DH series, has always been popular with Haibike staff. “The events have always been seen as low pressure, fun races. When they mentioned they’d added an e-bike class last year I jumped at the chance to have a blast around the Forest of Dean – and it was great! Everybody supports everybody.”

“It struck me straight away,” he continues. “We’ve known for some time that the vast majority of e-bikers are cyclists returning to the sport after a lengthy time away from the saddle, and this is a fantastic way of creating community, not only amongst e-bikers but the regular mountain bikers too.”

Sometimes you find awesome bikes out on the street. Such as this gem. Just look how classy that ride is! So much to like about this, from the fenders to the chain-ring, to the front fork. I actually stopped and stared at this machine for a good couple minutes.

This Saturday, October 19th, the Somerville Bicycle Committee holds its
21st annual Tour de Somerville.

This year’s theme is “Over, Under, Around, and Through”, featuring the
city’s many bridges, tunnels, overpasses, and underpasses. We know of at
least 40, which is a lot for a city of just 4 square miles. Our tour route
will cross, or at least pass by, as many of these as possible.

Meet at 10 am at Seven Hills Park, behind the Holland Street MBTA entrance
in Davis Square. We’ll depart promptly at 10:15. The ride will be about 13
miles long, mostly flat, and will end by 1 pm.

Somerville police will help escort the ride. We will have a rest and
refreshment stop about halfway through, at Blessing of the Bay Boathouse on
Shore Drive, with snacks from Redbones.

The tour will visit the sites of two bike path projects now under
construction: the Somerville Community Path extension between Cedar and
Lowell Streets, and the Wellington Undercarriage (a new boardwalk under
Route 28, linking the Mystic River paths at Assembly Square to Shore
Drive).

In case of steady rain, we’ll postpone the ride to Sunday, October 20, same
starting place and time.

A tentative route map is at http://goo.gl/maps/EYBJG . Because the route
passes through many construction projects, it is subject to change, even at
the last minute.
Our Facebook event is at https://www.facebook.com/events/709560142403270 .

Join in for a scary ride around Boston on Halloween night! Jaw dropping costumes! Ear popping trailer tunes! Traffic stopping magnitude! Thursday October 31st. Meet at 7:30 pm at the Green Street T Stop in JP. Plus, an alternate start is now available from Dewey Sq downtown! Full details on the Facebook Event and HalloweenBikeRide.net.

Ken Sent this lovely recap of the Hub On Wheels ride this weekend, thanks Ken!

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When a major city closes a main road for even part of a day there is always a very good reason. For the past few years Boston has shut down Storrow Drive, the main thoroughfare along the east shore of the Charles River from Mass. General Hospital all the way up to Harvard stadium. With the long-time support of Mayor Thomas Menino, Boston Bikes has hosted Hub on Wheels in which thousands of bicyclists take to every Boston neighborhood to highlight the fact that Boston is a top cycling city in the US.

Starting at City Hall plaza, this year in the pouring rain, participants ride down Cambridge Street and onto Storrow Drive. Some take a leisurely pace planning on a ten mile ride, enjoying Storrow for what it was originally designed for, a slow Sunday drive along the river. Others drive their pedals hard pushing through the puddles and potholes to get a strong start for the full fifty mile circuit. Reversing direction in at the Harvard Stadium and heading back towards the city, the ride veers right along the Fenway and up the Jamaica Way. At every major corner Boston and State Police have set up safety barriers and EMS are ever present in case of a spill.

From the Jamaica Way riders follow the route up past Jamaica Pond and into the first major rest stop inside the Arnold Arboretum. Along the way a young boy riding a tandem behind his father chugs up a long hill pedaling as hard as he can; beside him what must be the crazy uncle (who doesn’t have kids yet) whoops and cheers with joy encouraging the future Tour de France hopeful to help dad make it up the hill. An elderly couple in their 60s slowly take in the fall foliage starting to turn red, and gold, and orange, as it does only in New England. Five young riders, three men and two women, in matching racing jerseys blast past the group yelling out ‘on your left’ so they can pass in safety and keep up their heart pounding pace. Cars and trucks are halted, drivers look on at the happy throng rolling past waving at each safety vehicle and local residents raking leaves.

At the rest stop it’s a chance to reconnect with riders from other events, meet new friends, or just take it all in. Bike broken? No problem, Landry Bikes has five stations open with expert repair technicians ready to help. Hungry? Not for long. Fresh fruit, power bars, and all the Gatorade you can drink are available for free. Need a break of a personal nature? What public event doesn’t have well stocked and clean portable toilets?

Once through the Arboretum, the route takes riders into Forest Hills Cemetery, where the second major rest stop and medical tent are located and where the 50 milers reconnect with the 30’s. Together again they ride across a hundred year old stone bridge and through a forest as lush and spectacular as its cousin The Mt. Auburn Cemetery just 10 miles north in Cambridge. As the route winds through Franklin Park residents of the Pine Street Inn homeless shelter, golfers escape from a sand trap, and the gorillas behind the fence at the Franklin Park Zoo stare back at wide-eyed kids and parents in-kind. Through the streets of Dorchester and Mattapan riders can hear the sounds of gospel music ringing out as neighborhood parishes overflow with Sunday worshippers. How great and diverse a city, where a horde of sweaty rain soaked cyclists in neon shirts and skin tight shorts share the streets with ladies, gentlemen and children dressed in their finest fall fashion for church.

At Codman Corner another major rest stop. Riders are greeted with the same un-ending supply of food, beverage, and good cheer from the volunteers. Straight is the way for the 30 milers to the finish line, but a right for the 50’s down Washington Street and onto the Neponset River Path past Pope John Paul Park and across Granite Ave where there’s a plaque commemorating the first commercial rail road in the country that was used to carry stones from Quincy Quarry to make the Bunker Hill monument. Under the South East Expressway and along the Harbor Walk with its tall reeds and grasses, shore birds darting through the clearing skies, and a small stretch of mud for those wanting a change from city streets. Views of the inner harbor, Dorchester Bay, and Thompson island. Are those the Hull turbines? Better stop for a minute and check the map.

Legs starting to feel the burn as the now disperse group rounds UMass Campus past JFK’s day sailor and Library and another cheering enthusiastic group of volunteers keeping everyone on course. The skies now clearing, sunshine to the west, and views out to the Deere Island plant with planes from Logan flying overhead. Just in time there’s another rest stop at Carson Beach. More food, hydration, a guy playing drums, and a young father helping his special-needs son mount their tandem for the final push back to City Hall. Young and old, men and women, hale and hearty 50 milers share stories smiles and encouragement with the 30 milers. The finish line is in sight.

Cutting along the back side of Pleasure Bay and through South Boston, the route turns right at Murphy’s Bar on Summer Street and across the canal where one of the pleasure cruising floating cities awaits passengers bound for Canada. Past the Boston design Center and up through the Seaport District, no Hub on Wheels ride could be complete without a great view of the city across the water to welcome riders back to the Financial District. A short pop along the Harbor Way, across the Moakley Bridge and onto Atlantic Ave where international travelers watch and hale cabs while the riders enjoy what was once the steel forest of the express way and is now the lush Greenway with flowers, grass and fountains.

More volunteers, police and EMS guide riders past the old Custom House tower with views of forty-floor glass office building erected in the past twenty years frame a view up to the Old State House which dates from 1712. The sound of cheers from city hall can be heard, one more turn and the ride ends where it all began, 9 years ago. The plaza is filled with riders celebrating their accomplishment. Vendors and sponsors hand out all sorts of goodies including a free lunch for all riders. Non-profits and causes make their pitches for continuing the effort of making Boston one of the most livable, walkable, and bikeable cities in the country.

This ride didn’t just happen, nor did the transformation you can see throughout the city. Many dedicated people have spent hours, weeks, years planning, preparing, meeting and working with local officials and volunteers alike. To some it’s an economic imperative, our roads and bridges cost millions each year in construction, maintenance and repair costs while budgets are getting smaller. Bikes and pedestrian traffic don’t cause potholes, require less physical infrastructure, and help keep people healthy. To others it’s a livability issue. Pedestrians, open spaces, and neighborhood sharing bring people together to make this a vibrant, diverse community.

Whether riding for a cause or just enjoying a rainy fall day in Boston, Hub on Wheels 2013 was a great success for the riders, the support professionals, and the community. Hope to see you on the trail, and for the 10th Anniversary Hub on Wheels 2014!

Watch and learn as we demonstrate how to fix a flat tire. Questions are welcome. This is a FREE lecture/discussion class. You can RSVP to the Flat Fixing Demo here.

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Click here to forward this email to someone you know who might be interested in these free classes.

Intermediate Mountain Bike Rides

To join our Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride, call 617-524-2453 or email Biagio. The ride meets Sundays at 4:00pm.Is this the right ride for me?
This is an intermediate ride. The main goal is to get out in the woods and have some fun on our bikes. We expect at least a basic familiarity with trail riding. . . (READ MORE)

Road Bike Rides

Training for a triathlon or charity ride? Want to learn to get more out of your fitness ride? Join us for bi-weekly road bike rides. We leave from Ferris Wheels Bike Shop at7:00am SHARP every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Our usual route goes out to a 4-mile loop, so you can ride just 4 miles or go for 8 miles, 12 miles, etc. Take it at your own pace!

Next ride is Thursday, August 8th.

For more info, stop by the shop or call 617-524-2453.

Women’s Road Training Rides

“This Sunday ride is a 20-mile fitness loop from Cutler Park in Needham, starting at 4:30pm sharp. Most riders are on road bikes (skinny tires, drop handlebars) and are wearing bike shorts and jerseys. I require that riders feel comfortable riding in traffic and know basic safe riding techniques and turn signals; riders must also bring a spare tube that fits their bike, plenty of water, and a helmet. If you don’t have a computer on your bike, I recommend getting one before the ride so you have an idea of whether the ride is a good fit for you. The group is paced between 14 and 17mph.” -Kate

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The next ride is Sunday, August 11th.

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For more info about the Women’s Road Ride, please visit our website or email: Kate@FerrisWheelsBikeShop.com

Pancake Breakfast for Bike Commuters and Friends

Join us on Friday, August 30th at Ferris Wheels Bike Shop ! Come by for slapjacks, real maple syrup, O.J. and chit-chat from 7:00-9:00am.

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This is a great way to get yourself out of bed early and meet your J.P. cycling neighbors.Pancakes just like these could be in your mouth!

I was a bit harsh on the Cyclist for loosing this years Rush Hour race, but he seems to have done pretty well considering. I have done a lot of urban races, and I can say that following all the rules it for sure going to slow you down. Also remember as a cyclists if you jump off your bike you become a pedestrian…will open more possibilities for you next year racers!

Bike Week is here and it’s jam-packed with activities! For a complete list of all bike events happening around the state this week, visit here. Below you will find some important highlights from Boston Bikes!

Mayor Menino’s Bike Week Celebration: May 17, 7-9a

Cap off a great week of biking by joining us and hundreds of others for the Boston Bike Week Celebration on City Hall Plazathis Friday. To get there, you can join one of 10 convoys - including NEW East Boston/Chelsea and Melrose/Malden/Everett routes – or ride in on your own. We’ll start the morning right by enjoying breakfast by Boloco, getting cool free stuff, and saying good morning to each other, including many vendors.

Will you be there? Find your convoy & REGISTER AHEAD!

Ride of Silence: May 15, 7p

The Ride of Silence, which is being organized by area volunteers, will honor cyclists who’ve been killed in collisions with motor vehicles. Riders must be 16+ and wear a helmet, and are encouraged to wear a white t-shirt or arm band. The route will be completed in silence and go at a slow pace on a 4 mile route through downtown Boston, leaving from City Hall Plaza at 7p. Press coverage and more information can be found here.

Two Wheels, One Fund: May 16, 6p

We are partnering withJerry Remy’s Sports Bar & Grill to bring you “Two Wheels, One Fund” benefiting The One Fund. With support from the New England cycling community, the event will offer guests an evening of dinner, drinks, live music from Sweet Tooth & the Sugarbabies and the east coast premiere of Red Bull Media’s new mountain biking film, “Where the Trail Ends.” More information and ticket details can be found here.

Boston Bikes’ Annual Bike Update, May 21, 6-8:30p

Our 5th annual bike update, hosted by the LivableStreets Alliance, will be a presentation on our achievements, challenges, and future goals as we strive to create a “world class bicycling city”. Come hear the latest details about the New Balance Hubway bike share, the Bicycle Network Plan, parking facilities,community programming, and more.

This event is free and open to the public and will be held at the Copley Boston Public Library in the Rabb Lecture Hall. Register!